SIKKIM BHUTAN TOUR

Duration-  14 days
Best Season - March to June and Oct to Nov
Region Covered - Darjeeling, Sikkim, Kalimpong and Bhutan

This tour lets you enjoy the scenic beauty of landscape of Darjeeling, Sikkim, Kalimpong and Bhutan.

Day 1: Bagdogra (by plane) - Darjeeling (2130 m) by private car.
Arrive Bagdogra and drive to Darjeeling. A charming 4-hours journey, through Assam tea plantations and tiny villages takes us to Darjeeling. Built on top of a ridge, it faces the Himalaya and is a popular destination for Westerners and Bengalis alike.

Day 2: Darjeeling visit.
We could take an early trip to Tiger Hill to see the sunrise. Afterwards we visit the famous Ghoom monastery which enshrines an image of the Maitreya Buddha (the coming Buddha). Later on we can step in the Himalayan Mountaneering Institute, and visit tea plantations.

Day 3 : Darjeeling - Gangtok
Morning after breakfast drive to Gangtok. Upon arrival in Gangtok, check into hotel. Overnight at hotel

Day 4: A full day sightseeing in and around Gangtok.
Tashi View Point: Located 8 km beyond the town, this spot offers an absolutely breathtaking view of Mt. Khangchendzonga and it's attendant peaks.
Enchey Monastery : This 90 year old monastery on a hillock, 2 km above follows the Nyingmapa sect and is the main monastery in Gangtok.
Government Institute of Cottage Industry: This centre offers you the opportunity to observe the local artisans at work and their skills being imparted to young boys and girls. If you want to take back souvenirs, the institute's salesroom is well stocked with local handicraft and handloom products.
Do-Drul Chorten : One of the most important Stupas of Sikkim built by the late Venerable Trulsi Rimpoche in 1945-46, it contains a mandala of Dorji-Phurpa, holy texts, mantras and is encircled by 108 prayer wheels.
Research Institute of Tibetology : Situated close to the Chorten this institute is a repository of the largest collection of Tibetan artifacts outside Tibet. Also renowned worldwide for the study of Buddhist philosophy and religion, it is a treasure house of rare Thankas, Buddhist icon and objects of art. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Day trip to Tsomgo Lake (3650 m)
Located east of Gangtok at an altitude of 3650 mtrs. The Tsomgo Lake is a typically beautiful mountain lake. The journey to the lake offers a magnificent view of Mt. Khangchendzonga and other peaks of Sikkim Himalayas. Overnight in hotel.

Day 6 : Gangtok - Rumtek - Martam
Transfer from Gangtok to Martam way visit Rumtek monastery 2 hrs drive. Rumtek Monastery : 24 km drive to the opposite hill takes you to this magnificent monastery built by the late Gyalwa Karmapa, the head of the Kagyupa sect. This monastery has been built as an exact replica of the original Kagyu monastery in Tibet. It is also the international headquarters of the Karma Kagyu centres. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7 : Martam - Kalimpong
Transfer from Martam to Kalimpong 4 hrs. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 8 : Kalimpong - Phuntsoling
Drive to Phuntsoling -the Bhutanese boarder town.Today you stay in Phuntsoling a commercial and industrial center as well as overland gateway to Bhutan. This is the best place to buy the famous stamps of Bhutan.

Day 9 : Phuntsoling - Thimpu
With the breathtaking hairpin bents the road takes us from the tropical rain forest of low land to Thimpu-the capital of Himalayan country. Overnight hotel.

Day 10 : Thimpu - Paro
Sightseeing of Thimpu in the morning and drive to Paro.

Day 11 : Sightseeing of Paro
Visit the ruins of Drukgyel Zong, Taktshang monastery and the national museum, overnight hotel.

Day 12 : Paro - Delhi flight
The flight over the Himalayas reveals breathtaking views of highest peaks of the world including Mt. Everest. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to hotel.

Day 13: Delhi sightseeing
Full day old & New Delhi sightseeing including Red Fort, Jamma Masjid, Humayun's Tomb, Lotus Temple, Qutab Minar and drive past India Gate and Presidential house.

Day 14: Delhi departure